Van Leeuwen

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the Van Leeuwen Vegan Churros & Fudge ice cream emerges as a less desirable choice for those seeking cleaner food options. This product has fallen short of achieving a higher cleanliness score due to its use of non-organic ingredients and the inclusion of multiple forms of added sugars.

The base of the ice cream, oat milk, and coconut cream, while plant-based, is not organic. The presence of both cane sugar and brown sugar contributes to the product’s lower rating, as these are added sugars that many health-conscious consumers aim to minimize. The inclusion of tapioca syrup, another form of added sweetener, further diminishes the product’s standing. Despite being vegan, the product’s reliance on conventional agriculture and added sugars clashes with the criteria of cleaner, more natural food products.

Moreover, the product does manage to avoid GMO ingredients, which is a positive aspect for those wary of genetically modified foods. However, this is overshadowed by the use of ingredients such as organic virgin coconut oil and cocoa butter, which, while not inherently unhealthy, contribute to the overall non-organic profile of the dessert. The presence of wheat flour, cocoa powder, and cocoa liquor adds to the complexity of the ingredient list, which also includes vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, corn starch, and carob. These ingredients, though not directly penalized, do not contribute to elevating the product’s cleanliness score.

The Van Leeuwen Vegan Churros & Fudge ice cream has room for improvement if it aims to meet the standards of cleaner eating. By transitioning to organic ingredients and reducing or eliminating added sugars, the product could substantially increase its standing. As it is, consumers looking for the cleanest food options might find this product lacking and opt for alternatives that more closely align with their health and environmental values.